PAR - Photosynthetically Active Radiation - is defined as the radiation in the 400-700 nanometer waveband and represents the portion of the light spectrum used by plants for photosynthesis. In the confined space under the canopy of a plant, radiation levels can vary from full sun to almost zero meaning reliable measurement of PAR requires many samples at different locations. The LP-80 features 80 individual sensors and the option to segment the probe to suit spatial changes in the plant canopy. LAI - Leaf Area Index - is defined as the area of leaves per unit area of soil surface. It is a measure of the plant canopy density and biomass. The LP-80 takes into account the canopy architecture and position of the sun both of which are factors which affect the calculation of LAI.

Measure Canopy PAR

The AccuPAR is a lightweight, portable photosythetically active radiation (PAR) sensor wand that lets you measure canopy PAR interception at any location within a crop or forest canopy.  PAR data can be used with other climate data to estimate biomass production without destroying the crop. PAR is also important in determining other canopy processes, like radiation interception, energy conversion, momentum, gas exchange, precipitation interception, and evapotranspiration.

Calculate Leaf Area Index (LAI)

The AccuPAR also uses radiation measurements and other parameters to accurately calculate leaf area index (LAI) non-destructively in real time.

Lightweight, Self-contained

The AccuPAR weighs a little over 1 pound ( 0.5kg). The attached controller, powered by 4 AA batteries, can be used to take measurements manually or can log data unattended for short periods of time. It stores 1 MB of data (over 20,000 above, below and summary canopy readings) for later download and analysis.

Non UK/Ireland Customers

Non UK/Ireland Customers, please contact Decagon Devices at: www.decagon.com